Coverage is more affordable. People with new insurance plans will get access to free preventive care, including mammograms, immunizations and screenings for cancer and diabetes. And small businesses with fewer than 25 employees, with an average wage below $50,000, can get tax credits to help buy health insurance.

Children and young adults receive expanded coverage. If your plan covers dependents and your adult children do not have employer-sponsored insurance, you can now cover them on your policy until they turn 26. And children under the age of 19 who have pre-existing conditions must be covered by insurance.

Insurance practice improvements for all. Insurance companies can’t drop health coverage for those that become sick and health insurance is guaranteed, as long as premiums are paid. And now that insurance companies can no longer place limits on health coverage, benefits can’t run out when people need them the most.

“Keeping young adults on a parents’ health insurance plan until the age of 26 is very popular, especially in today’s economically challenging environment,” said AARP New Hampshire State Director Kelly Clark. “Many of our members tell us their children – even those right out of college – have been unable to find jobs that offer health benefits. This provision in the Affordable Care Act offers peace of mind for parents and their families.”